Carpets are a beautiful addition that keeps the home cozy in winter while contributing to conserving energy. It offers a warm feeling, whether you play, sit, or work. The carpet is slip-resistant and has a safer floor. The impact is less even with a fall as the cushioned padding keeps you safe. However, there is at some point an uncomfortable part with carpet cleaning. It is how to get mildew smell out of the carpet after shampooing.
Carpet fibers trap odors. The carpet fibers catch the foul smell from the moisture beneath it. Carpets soak standing water, coffee or tea, pet messes, and other spills. All these result in an unpleasant odor. Carpet absorbing moisture creates an awful smell. It is because within 24 to 48 hours mold spores start growing. The mold indoors causes damage permanently, besides causing allergies and health troubles. Detecting and eliminating the mildew smell is crucial.
Let’s break down to understand…
How Did My Carpet Get a Mildew Smell?
Catching mildew for carpets is as they get exposed to conditions promoting mildew and mold growth. The factors contributing to mildew in the carpets are:
- Poor ventilation– Ventilation is vital to the buildup of humidity. Insufficient ventilation hinders the air circulation. In carpet areas with stagnant air circulation, a damp environment is created, especially in enclosed spaces and basements.
- Excessive moisture– The carpet’s mildew common cause is excessive moisture. It may be due to floods, leaks, spills, or high humidity, as it is not dried enough. Carpets in such areas develop mildew as they are openly exposed to moisture.
- Stains and spills– Materials such as beverages and food, when not properly cleaned, are the main source of mildew. They develop into carpet fibers, creating a favorable environment for the growth of mold.
- Water damage– Leaks from pipes, roofs, or appliances make the carpets susceptible to mildew. If the carpet is not dried thoroughly, mildew growth is certain.
- High humidity– High humidity level areas require no water incidents. The humidity consistency results in carpets absorbing moisture and it leads to the growth of mildew.
- Improper cleaning– In this cleaning process, carpets are left unclean and wet. Therefore, it results in the growth of mildew. Carpet cleaning should ensure thorough drying to remove excess moisture from the carpet.
- HVAC poorly maintained– HVAC is the air conditioning systems that are not maintained enough and they contribute to humidity levels indoors. Thus, a damp environment develops with poor maintenance of HVAC as it fails to dehumidify the air. Thus, encourages the growth of carpet mildew.
How Long Does Mildew Smell Last on Your Carpet?
The duration for the mildew smell to exist in the carpet is due to several factors. It may exist somewhere between a few days to a few weeks. If it is left untreated or not treated properly, a mildew smell exists on the carpet. Knowing the exact reason helps in addressing it promptly. There is a need to understand how to get mildew smell out of carpet after shampooing.
Addressing the reason helps in diminishing the mildew smell from the carpet. It is mandatory to dry and clean the carpet thoroughly. Persistent odors indicate deeper growth of mildew. If it is an extreme case, there is a need for professional cleaning.
How to get a mildew smell out of the carpet after shampooing?
Shampooing the carpet helps eliminate the mildew smell out of the carpet. Vacuuming the carpet and washing it using carpet shampoo eliminates odor-causing spores.
Removing the mildew unpleasant smell from the carpet is a tough task, though possible. Knowing this step-by-step guide helps you how to get mildew smell out of the carpet after shampooing.
- Dry area– Ascertain the area affected is dry. Use dehumidifiers and fans to expedite the process of drying. Damp environments are the thriving space for mildew. Therefore, eliminates the moisture, leaving no room for mildew growth.
- Thoroughly vacuum– Use a vacuum cleaner of high quality featuring a HEPA filter and clean the carpet. It helps remove loose debris and mildew spores. This step is crucial.
- Spray baking soda– Spraying baking soda helps in absorbing the mildew odors from the affected area. Allow the baking soda to sit overnight or for several hours and vacuum it. If necessary, repeat the process.
- Use a mixture of white vinegar– Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts. Use a spray bottle to spread the mixture. The spray bottle ensures no oversaturation of the carpet. Just spray the area affected. The white vinegar is helpful in neutralizing odors. Allow the vinegar to stay for a few hours and clean the area. You may use dry, clean towels and ensure to absorb excess moisture.
- Put on Enzymatic cleaner– Mildew-affected areas smell are not easy to eliminate. However, the enzymatic cleaners break mildew and similar organic compounds. Go through the instructions as per the cleaner label. Spray on the area affected and allow it for some time. Later, blot it clean using dry towels.
- Professional cleaning– Mildew smell persists and considering a professional cleaning service to eliminate the smell is recommended. Professionals have access to equipment and potent cleaning solutions, and they eliminate effectively the mildew odors.
- Restore carpet padding– Mildew odor in severe cases enters the carpet padding. Thus, it becomes essential to restore new carpet padding. It is an effective way of removing the mildew smell completely.
Conclusion
The mildew smell in a carpet is not uncommon. The reasons may be anything, but consider the signs causing a bad-smelling carpet. A few of the signs are a moldy odor, carpet discoloration, allergic reactions, dampness, peeling carpet, visible mold, and so on.
Prolonged mildew exposure leads to unexplained health issues. If you doubt having carpet mildew, learn how to get mildew smell out of the carpet after shampooing. Addressing the mildew issue immediately and promptly is essential. It is because the growth of mildew spreads quickly. It may need the replacement of the carpet affected or hiring a professional cleaning or mildew removal service.